Find out how popular the first name Makaira has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Makaira by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Makaira is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Makaira.

The history of the first name Makaira

The given name Makaira has its linguistic origins tracing back to ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "makhaira," which translates to "sword" or "dagger." This name likely emerged during the classical period of ancient Greek civilization, spanning from the 5th to 4th centuries BCE.

Makaira was not a commonly used name in ancient Greek texts or historical records. However, there are a few notable individuals who bore this moniker in Greek mythology and literature. One such figure was Makaira, a daughter of the legendary hero Heracles and the nymph Autonoe. She is mentioned in various mythological accounts, though her role is often minor.

The earliest recorded use of the name Makaira can be traced back to the 5th century BCE. An Athenian woman named Makaira is mentioned in a fragmentary inscription from this period, though little is known about her life or significance.

In later centuries, the name Makaira continued to be used, albeit rarely. One notable figure was Makaira of Lesbos, a poet and philosopher who lived in the 3rd century BCE. She was a contemporary of the renowned poet Sappho and is believed to have composed works in the lyric tradition, though none of her writings have survived intact.

During the Byzantine era, which spanned from the 4th to 15th centuries CE, the name Makaira resurfaced sporadically. A notable bearer was Makaira Kantakouzene, a noblewoman who lived in the 14th century and was a member of the influential Kantakouzenos family. She played a role in the political and social affairs of the Byzantine Empire during her lifetime.

In the 16th century, there was a Greek scholar and humanist named Makaira Kamariotis, who lived and worked in Venice. He was known for his contributions to the study of ancient Greek literature and philosophy.

Another historical figure named Makaira was a Greek courtesan and mistress who lived in the 18th century. She was renowned for her beauty and intelligence, and her name was frequently mentioned in the writings and correspondence of the time.

While the name Makaira has ancient roots, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout history. Nevertheless, it has been carried by a few notable individuals across various eras, primarily within the Greek-speaking world and cultural sphere.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Makaira was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Makaira, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!